拿起

náqǐ

verb

Meanings

1 to pick up
2 to take up (an object)

Characters

up (directional)

Examples

HSK 5

请拿起笔在这里签个字。

Qǐng náqǐ bǐ zài zhèlǐ qiān gè zì.

Please pick up the pen and sign here.

HSK 6

他拿起电话，深吸了一口气。

Tā náqǐ diànhuà, shēn xī le yìkǒuqì.

He picked up the phone and took a deep breath.

HSK 7-9

她拿起书又放下，看起来心事重重。

Tā náqǐ shū yòu fàngxià, kànqǐlái xīnshìchóngchóng.

She picked up the book then put it back down - she seemed preoccupied.

Tips

grammar

拿 (verb 'to hold/take') + 起 (directional complement 'up') = 'pick up'. Pairs naturally with 放下 (put down). Compare 拿起 (concrete physical action) with figurative 拿起武器 'take up arms' or 拿起笔来 'take up the pen' (i.e. start writing).

Stroke Order

拿 ná

起 qǐ